1970 9’ 1Ton points vs HEI

[1970GMC3500Longhorn]

I’m debating but I really want to stick with points. Anyone want to change my mind? Also I need recommendations for a solid vintage dwell meter. I’m going to be replacing the points and condenser next week when they come in.
Thanks!

[Stocker]

Nothing wrong with points as long as you don't mind fiddling with them every so often. I got tired of climbing over the engine and stretching to reach mine so I installed a used GM HEI setup around 40 years ago. No regrets, no problems, one of the best things I ever did to my K20.

[Warren]

had my truck 16 years HEI on it when I got it, Never touched the motor other than air cleaner and oil changes and putting headers on. Same plugs in it and crap wires that were on it.

Starts and runs great. Best addition was adding a manual choke. So my limited experience with HEI has been flawless so far. Had one friend who has had issues with a name brand. Not sure what this one is off but likely some other GM product rather than aftermarket

[HO455]

I agree with Stocker. Points do the the job they just need attention from time to time, which I my book is a good thing. Poking around under the hood keeps things on the straight and narrow.
You can buy a lot of points for the cost of an HEI. Plus a spare set in the glove box ensures you will never be stranded. Unlike an HEI with a dead module.
If you wanted to have the "convenience" of electronic ignition I prefer the base model Pertronx for its simplicity and that you can use the original style distributor. Plus once again you can keep the old points and screws in the glove box and if there is a failure you won't be stranded.

[Ol Blue K20]

Points work great unless you don't have a sloppy shaft in the distributor. I have a HEI in mine and love it.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by HO455

Poking around under the hood keeps things on the straight and narrow.

You can buy a lot of points for the cost of an HEI. Plus a spare set in the glove box ensures you will never be stranded. Unlike an HEI with a dead module.

Agreed. I still mess around under the hood just for fun.... but replacing points was not fun for me.

I bought my used HEI in 1980 and like I said, no problems. But just in case, last year I bought a spare module to keep in the glove box.

[truckster]

I remember setting points on the side of the road using a matchbook cover as a feeler gauge. There's nothing wrong with points... but HEI is so much better. More dependable, less maintenance, hotter spark, faster starting. It's one upgrade I make to any older GM vehicle I own.

[Sheepdip]

Originally Posted by Stocker

Nothing wrong with points as long as you don't mind fiddling with them every so often. I got tired of climbing over the engine and stretching to reach mine .

I'll catch hell for this... but putting the distributor in front was actually a better idea by Ford.

[54blackhornet]

Boy that is a beast of a truck ! Don’t believe I have ever seen one before. After installing a GM HEI in my GMC , I must agree about it being the best upgrade of all. I can’t hardly even get to the points because of my back hurting so much now.

[AussieinNC]

Originally Posted by Sheepdip

I'll catch hell for this... but putting the distributor in front was actually a better idea by Ford.

Ya been drinkin the dip again?

[AussieinNC]

Originally Posted by 1970GMC3500Longhorn

I’m debating but I really want to stick with points. Anyone want to change my mind? Also I need recommendations for a solid vintage dwell meter. I’m going to be replacing the points and condenser next week when they come in.
Thanks!

Dwell meter on ebay...

https://www.ebay.com/i/392458129377?...26pg%3D2386202

[HO455]

I forgot to mention your question on meters. Any commercial grade ( like Sun, snap on, etc.) or the top of the line Craftsman dwell meters from back in the day will be good. They are pretty basic inside so the difference usually comes down to how rugged the unit is. So I would pick a pristine Craftsman over a well worn snap on unit.

PS Nice truck!

[Ol Blue K20]

I just replaced my hei a while back with a new proform brand from summit in my truck and my el camino. They seem to be great units.

[kwmech]

Converted both my trucks to HEI....BUT I kept all the point parts including the resistor wire to go back in case of an EMP or if something similar happens. They all sit in a neat little box up on the shelf

[1970GMC3500Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Stocker

Nothing wrong with points as long as you don't mind fiddling with them every so often. I got tired of climbing over the engine and stretching to reach mine so I installed a used GM HEI setup around 40 years ago. No regrets, no problems, one of the best things I ever did to my K20.

Thanks! I really like the originality of the points. But I just got stranded this week on the way to work. And that sucked!

[1970GMC3500Longhorn]

Any recommendations on a good dwell meter?

[1970GMC3500Longhorn]

Originally Posted by HO455

I forgot to mention your question on meters. Any commercial grade ( like Sun, snap on, etc.) or the top of the line Craftsman dwell meters from back in the day will be good. They are pretty basic inside so the difference usually comes down to how rugged the unit is. So I would pick a pristine Craftsman over a well worn snap on unit.

PS Nice truck!

Thank you! I’ve been checking eBay and there are some nice ones for cheap.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by 1970GMC3500Longhorn

Any recommendations on a good dwell meter?

Sorry, I am no help there, I have never owned one. I have an ancient Sun timing light and a few sets of feeler gauges but that's it for tune-up stuff.

Unrelated side note: same as kwmech, I kept my old points-type distributor, coil, etc.... Ya never know.

[BigBird05]

If you don't want to go the HEI route, You can get a Pertronix Solid State Ignition Sys form Summit. This lets you keep the look of your old style dist cap and no points to adjust.